Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, speaking after the House of Commons voted for tougher mandatory sentences for knife crime, said:

“In opposition David Cameron promised that everyone caught carrying a knife would go to jail. After four years as Prime Minister and four years of broken promises, it’s not surprising that David Cameron and his ministers failed to support these measures. They have only been passed because of Labour support.

“We must send out a strong message that knife crime is unacceptable. Now, someone caught, charged, prosecuted and found guilty of carrying a knife for a second time will almost certainly be sent to prison unless there are particular reasons why they shouldn’t be. There will still be judicial discretion, but the message is clear, those who repeatedly commit knife crime face prison.

“We don’t believe this in itself is enough to rid our streets of the scourge of knives, which is why its important work is done with families, schools, colleges and youth clubs to prevent people carrying a knife in the first place.”

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